As Ogun State marks 50 years of purposeful existence, the Gateway State stands proudly as one of Nigeria’s most progressive, industrialised, and intellectually vibrant among its peers. Created on 3 February 1976 from the old Western State, Ogun was founded on the ideals of education, enterprise, culture, and disciplined leadership.
From the pioneering administration of Commander David Medayese Jemibewon, through successive democratic and military leaders, the state has grown steadily into a national model of stability and development.
Ogun is home to giants of history and ideas — Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd.), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Dr. Tai Solarin — whose legacies continue to inspire governance, education, and civic responsibility.
Over the last five decades, Ogun State has recorded landmark achievements across key sectors:
• Emergence as Nigeria’s leading industrial hub after Lagos
• Expansion of world-class educational institutions including Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and Babcock University
• Massive road, housing, and urban renewal projects across Egba, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa/Awori zones
• Improved healthcare delivery and social investment programmes
• Strong security architecture and investor confidence
Governors across different eras — Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Prince Dapo Abiodun — have each contributed uniquely to the growth of the state through policy, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
Today, under Abiodun’s ISEYA Agenda, Ogun is driving the next phase of development through youth empowerment, digital economy, agricultural modernization, and people-centred governance.
As Ogun celebrates its Golden Jubilee, this milestone is not just a remembrance of years, but a reaffirmation of purpose — to build a state that works for every citizen from Abeokuta to Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu to Ilaro, Ota to Imeko and Afon.
Ogun at 50 is a call to leaders to lead with integrity, and to citizens to rise with unity and purpose.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Ogun State —
The Gateway to Nigeria’s Future.
Hon. Oyeleye is a Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President and a former Ogun State Commissioner for Environment
